A Lotus River neighbourhood watch group found a stash of street signs believed to have been removed from their posts and abandoned with the likelihood of ending up in a scrapyard.
Rosemary Alexander, Jean Rooi and Bevan Adams of the Buck Inn Neighborhood Watch were patrolling the streets on Wednesday 19 September when they came across the signs.
“Bevan called to us while we were on patrol to tell us that the signs are lying in the grass. It was not noticeable in the grass,” said Rooi.
She added that the signs were found stacked on top of each other in 4th Avenue, in the park, during the neighbourhood watch’s morning patrol.
“We found the signs at about 10:00 while patrolling. There were 10 signs and they (vandals) took the poles but did not have time to fetch the signs and sell it to the scrapyards,” said Alexander.
Alexander, who has been part of the neighbourhood watch for many years, said they initially noticed the theft of street signs last week.
“It only started recently. Two nights ago, we were following them, but due to load shedding we could not continue following in the dark.”
The team of three neighbourhood watch members said that they loved patrolling the streets in their community.
“It’s just the shooting that doesn’t stop and the community that is sometimes rude.”
Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson said copper and metal theft is a common problem in the community.
“This is the first time that it has happened whilst I have been in office.
“However, copper and metal theft is common in our communities, and it is one of the ills of society that will not stop until the community stands up and protects the infrastructure we have.”
Nelson added it was unclear where the signs were stolen from.
“Unfortunately we will not know where the signs were stolen from, until we discover a missing sign.
“When we do, it can be logged with the City and we will reinstate the sign.”
Nelson urged residents who notice vandalism or missing street signs to report cases to the City. “We ask that all community members please report these incidents to law enforcement by calling 021 480 7700 and provide them with information regarding what the suspect looks like,” he concluded.
